Super League XIV – Round Twenty-Three Previews

July 30, 2009 at 8:58 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League | 1 Comment
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If you’re reading this on Thursday I’d just like to point you in the direction of We Are Klang’s new series on BBC3 at 10.30pm tonight.  I don’t know how they’ll translate to something as orthodox as this format.  If it’s anything like their live routine it can’t be missed.

Back to this week’s games and what a week.  Wigan steam on.  Brilliant win against Leeds.  The difference in their defence over the past month has been incredible.  Can they keep it going with Saints this week and the semi-final next?  What about Castleford sneaking back into the top half mix?  Still looks difficult for them.  As for Huddersfield, well I’m pleased to see a new kid on the block.  Can’t imagine Bradford fans are too chuffed as their own season splintered into pieces some time ago.  Over in Hull it was a terrific derby which was well deserved for those of us who have had to watch Hull more than once this year.

Due to being busy I haven’t been able to put an opening paragraph in and when I finally get free I have nothing to talk about.  Maybe I should talk about what I learned today.   Today I learned that our of last year’s England RL World Cup Squad five players proved to be damaging to the squad’s hopes, not because of their play on the field but their attitude off it.  Which five players were the negative influences which meant they were doomed to defeat before they even took the field?  Interesting isn’t it.

Hull (11th) v Huddersfield (3rd)
Not bad last week Hull.  A lot better than we thought they would play.  Wasn’t enough though was it.  In fact Hull still look like a side which hasn’t moved on in years.  Okay they threw the ball about a bit but what about that defence?  It’s as average as ever.  Top two chasing Huddersfield pose a different threat this week.  Third highest points scorers and lowest points conceded?  How has that happened?  Huddersfield are in the throes of ripping up the script, possibly starting next week and I hope they don’t leave their eye on that game for too long.  You can manage both.  Huddersfield by 2.

Salford (13th) v Wakefield (7th)
We thought it might be the case last week for Wakefield that too many huge games had them reeling and so it happened as the rejuvenated Tigers went ahead by two points.  It has to be an away win this week doesn’t it?  Salford collapsed in the second half at Warrington and McRae’s comments this week, to me, are not in proportion to his side’s efforts this year.  I don’t know what kind of criticism he’s come under this season.  His league position increase the chances of it being hard talk.  So when I say his comments I mean I’m not sure what criticism is that valid for a newly promoted team.  Makes you wonder if the team’s response will be a fiery  one.  If they do this can be a home win.  Have to go with Wakefield though.  It’s not so much Salford’s form more Wakefield’s and their need to keep up with their rivals.  Wakefield by 4.

Catalans (10th) v Celtic (14th)
Salford (A), Hull (H), Bulls (A) and Wakefield (H) before their season finale in St Helens.  Eight points is possible from those games so Catalans aren’t quite out of it yet.  Hopefully they can get plenty of locals in this one because it’s not going to be the boom weekend the hoteliers were hoping for.  Should be a comfortable win and a nice trip to France for our new Welsh brethren.  Catalans by 10.

Leeds (2nd) v Warrington (8th)
This should have been a crescendo.  Wire building up speed and Leeds trotting along, gearing up for the KO stuff.  It should have been.  We’re not really facing such a bang now.  Warrington went off the boil before regathering themselves ahead of next week’s semi-final.  Tony Smith has to be thinking Wigan will be backing up after too many tough games whereas his own side gets to test its intensity levels in preparation.  Do you expect Warrington to go at it like trench warfare?  Me?  I figure Smith will ask his side to hang in there and see if the Leeds that turns up means serious business or is still not locking together so well.  Aside from Peacock there isn’t too much good yardage work in the forwards.  It’s all a bit nip and tuck stuff at times.  If Leeds don’t up their game Smith’s men are sure to be hanging around to snaffle some scraps and a match more interesting than it should be sets up Warrington for next week.  At home Leeds can regroup after this round because they have no Challenge Cup aspirations this year.  They were knocked out.  KO’d.  Bullied out of a silverware hunt.  Time for them to set themselves for this year’s charge.  Just get through this one and top is a cert.  Leeds by 6.

Bradford (12th) v Harlequins (9th)
Hey spivs.  Looks like the bottom of the play-offs is your best bet now.  Warrington’s trip to Leeds should mean the visitors will still be in touch for the post-season action no matter what this result is.  I wouldn’t bother blaming my predictions for losses Harlequins RL fans.  It lets your team off the hook.  Your boys weren’t at the races last week.  It was one-way traffic until Saints tucked into bed and snoozed through to the hooter.  No let off this week.  If you think the Bulls are going to be going through the motions think again.  Bulls to come out fired up playing as if they can avenge everyone when it’s obviously too late.  Idiots.  Bradford by 6.

Castleford (6th) v Hull KR (4th)
Rovers almost gave it away last week.  What has happened to them?  Peaked way too early?  It has to be more than that.  They were coasting along at a competitive rate of knots and then WHAM! This is now a very tough trip.  Castleford have to be brimming with confidence thanks to their form improvement.  After our showstopper this has to be second choice of the round’s games.  A Tigers win brings Rover back into the pack and possibly out of third if Huddersfield kick on at Hull.  My logic says that Rovers are the more complete and consistent side.  Castleford’s wave of exhilaration has me wrapped in it and I’m going for Matterson to come up trumps.  Will it be enough for the play-offs?  It’s going to be very close I think.  Tigers by 4.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

St Helens (1st) v Wigan (5th)
It has been a while since the neutrals have been able to look forward to a Saints-Wigan game.  I imagine most will be keen to watch this one.  Saints may have slipped back into gear at Harlequins RL but so have Wigan.  Noble has got a roll going.  It’s the kind of roll that he’s generated before and we know what happened at the end of that.  These are two huge games for Brian Noble and this club.  With their current form fans have every right to believe they can win both.  Why can’t they?  Their form is impressive and with Saints and Warrington experiencing indifferent form momentum is in their favour.  Test number one is right here.  I don’t believe Wigan have enough to take the Super League title.  If other sides hit a bit of form I suspect Wigan’s lack of punch may show through fatigue.  Consecutive wins could allow them some rest which Noble couldn’t sacrifice Bradford’s form for during that legendary run.  Both sides are missing key players and perhaps next week is more important too.  It doesn’t feel like it.  Wigan by 1.

Last week’s predictions;

Bulls by 6 (won by 22)
Harlequins RL by 2 (lost by 20)
Rovers by 12 (won by 6)
Huddersfield by 10 (won by 24)
Wakefield by 4 (lost by 8 )
Warrington by 6 (won by 42)
Leeds by 6 (lost by 18 )

Average.  81-62.

Super League XIV – Round Twenty-Two Previews

July 23, 2009 at 11:10 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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Celtic (14th) v Bradford (12th)
Where do I start with this one?  These teams might well be the two that I’ve written about the least over this past season.  There was never going to be much to talk about Celtic because we don’t get to see them that often and nobody is really interested in reading about teams that aren’t achieving especially when they’re facing a team in a similar position.  Writing about the Bulls over the years there’s been plenty of opportunities to be critical of their dour approach to the game, the Bullmania, bottling games and Chris Caisley.  Now I’ve exhausted all comments about decline, former glory days, decreasing crowds and the probable lack of Bulls players in this year’s Super League Dream Team.  It’s boring, just like Bradford at their peak.  Bulls by 6.

Harlequins RL (8th) v St Helens (1st)
Patch-up is the fashion for this fixture.  I won’t bore you with details of injuries because they cancel each other out here.  Last year this looked like a tricky game for Saints but they ran riot zilling Harlequins RL by 54.  Saints’ loss certainly opens up the Super League again.  You may disagree and point to Leeds as the inevitable successor.  What I mean is this league is tighter than ever.  With the salary cap forcing youngsters into the first grade when injuries arrive a few key ones come the play-offs and Saints, or anyone, could be vulnerable come crunch time.  Harlequins RL are teetering a bit.  Lose many more and a battle for eighth becomes one out of their own control.  Full strength with form this could probably be the pick of the round’s matches.  It isn’t and I’m going to go for a determined home performance being the difference between the two.  Harlequins RL by 2.

Hull KR (4th) v Hull (11th)
Probably the most predictable of this weekends games.  Even before today Rovers have had the upper hand since they came into Super League.  This did look like it could be interesting contest earlier in the season.  Now you’re left to reflect on there being three other more attractive games for the cameras.  Rovers by 12.

Huddersfield (3rd) v Catalans (10th)
Despite the league positions there’s more than a pleasing aroma for this one.  Catalans are still battling week-to-week to stay in the hunt.  Last week was pretty comprehensive with a scintillating Bosc try putting the gloss on a win over a weakened opponent.  They are up against it this week.  Huddersfield have conceded less points than any other team.  Ask any of the history boys and that’s a certain indicator of the decline of the game.  Huddersfield obviously are only in that position because Saints and Leeds have dropped off the pace this year.  No credit to Huddersfield.  A completely disgraceful attitude and surely not one the average rugby league supporter could condone.  Let’s revel in Huddersfield’s rise.  I expect it to continue, possibly putting some pressure on one of the top two.  Huddersfield by 10.

Wakefield (6th) v Castleford (7th)
An inspirational win at Saints for John Kear.  The conversions may have cost the home team.  Did Wakefield deserve to take the two points?  Over the course of the full match I’d say so.  The poor ball retention of Potter’s men contributed to their downfall with both first half tries for Wakefield coming off the back of Saints’ handling errors.  Wakefield’s first rate kicking game (is it the best in the competition?) was successful in the win and when team’s turnover the ball in their own half, as Saints did, therein lies the reward for those kicks.  Here Castleford will have to avoid the same mistakes because I’m not sure how much go forward they have if they’re forced into bringing their ball out from their own red zone.  Three in a row for the Tigers has not only kept them in the play off bustle it’s lifted them above the slumping Harlequins RL and Warrington.  There has to be some confidence there.  Too easily I’ve referred you to Wakefield’s recent superiority in this game and this weekend I discount that.  I’m more looking at Wakefield’s last two games and believing they can continue with their form.  Logic says backing up after two huge efforts like those is where you come unstuck.  Benefit of the doubt on those two wins.  Wakefield by 4.

Warrington (9th) v Salford (13th)
This is the game Warrington need to get their mind back on playing.  Leeds follow and Tony Smith can’t be expecting to get his team ticking to semi-final form as if by magic.  He needs something from this game.  Either vicious attack or hard-faced defence.  Wins against Salford.  Well bigger teams have come unstuck and Warrington have dropped points here before when they should have won.  Here there has to be too much importance for the semi.  The past few weeks have been funny ones for Warrington which is why I’m expecting them to get their concentration back.  Warrington by 6.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

Wigan (2nd) v Leeds (5th)
It isn’t quite the big one because this is the big one.  It’s still a great Super League rivalry.  When generations in the future look back in the same we do now towards the legends of Greek culture, some small group of people (assuming our species is still surviving) will fantasise about the heroic battles our sport has given us.  The great rugby league head-to-heads are worthy of the same mythologising in the context of sport.  On Friday we could have another one on our hands.  Looking down the home team’s line-up with names like Hock, O’Loughlin and Bailey missing a creditable showing may be praiseworthy.  With big names out the game favours Leeds and threatens to tip the result too easily in their direction.  Here’s the time for Wigan’s Alexander because they need to keep their momentum going with the Saints trip and semi-final on their way next.  Leeds by 6.

Last week’s predictions;

Hull by 12 (won by 16)
Leeds by 10 (won by 10)
Castleford by 8 (won by 6)
Saints by 8 (lost by 2)
Wigan by 6 (won by 6)
Huddersfield by 4 (won by 18)
Catalans by 2 (won by 18 )

Probably my best round ever with Wakefield’s freak won spoiling a perfect week of 6-1 including two perfect predictions.  I could be the Chancellor.  77-59 overall.

Super League XIV – Round Twenty-One Previews

July 16, 2009 at 9:06 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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A bit quiet this last week.  Not too much happening outside of the State Of Origin game.  Unfortunately I am not able to view the games but I have seen plenty of action from games in the past.  Some of the feats I’ve learned about, usually involving Queensland and Wally Lewis, will remain with me forever.

Hull (11th) v Celtic (14th)
It’s Ben Folds Five time at the KC this weekend.  The league’s two hottest attractions come together for an orgasm of Super League rugby.  There has never been a match-up that’s created so much press coverage in the history of Welsh rugby league trips to Hull by a team called the Crusaders.  This is beyond immense.  This is like a date with Scarlett Johansson.  Hull by 12.

Leeds (2nd) v Hull KR (4th)
Hey Rovers!  How’s it going?  How are those early season scalps looking?  Who’s the cock of the north now?  On Friday night we should find out who the boss boys of the M62 eastern bloc is.  I’m expecting Leeds to hammer home their undoubted superiority with maybe even a bit to spare.  The pressure might be off Rovers in this one because nobody gives them much of a chance.  Leeds looked vulnerable last week though and a return to the earlier season form by Rovers could see them taking advantage.  Brian McClennan summed up Rovers pretty well when he said “You have to have good communication in your defence in order to cope with what they throw at you.”  We all know about those kicking options and Nick Fozzard’s nose and I’m confident Leeds are tight enough in defence to hold this one.  Leeds by 10.

Salford (13th) v Castleford (9th)
The elusiveness of consistency is an all too familiar tale in sports especially in Super League.  Win at Leeds, close down Saints at your own place and your reward from the devils of consistency is defeat to the bottom placed team.  How wonderful it is to live a rugby league existence that is tied to torture.  Friday night offers little respite for Salford.  Castleford waltz into town holding onto the tail end of the playoff picture and in some style as well.  Not content with overturning the Giants, Matterson’s boys crunched Hull and should be good enough here to deal with one of the less predictable teams in Super League.  Castleford by 8.

St Helens (1st) v Wakefield (7th)
Over the past four or five years Wakefield have given a pretty good account of themselves at Knowsley Road with little reward in return.  Last Friday’s loss to Leeds fell along similar lines for Wakefield.  Why didn’t they go for the two points?  Well, RL logic suggests you only go for the two points if it puts you an additional score ahead which taking two points last week wouldn’t have done.  However, given the way Brough was popping them over earlier in the game the decision appeared to go against their gameplan which is confusing.  Me?  I’d have taken the two points given the way the game was playing out.  It’s one thing going with RL logic but it’s another when you’re tackling one of the game’s premier teams.  Leeds obviously figured they could give penalties away instead of four points, an overly familiar tactic used by some of the more professional teams over the past twenty or so years.  Friday night’s viewing public won’t be expecting too much because a minnow on the road to big gun usually only ends one way.  There is scope for this being a tougher game than you’d expect though thanks to some injuries which mean Saints will line-up less a few of their higher profile players.  Joining Long and long-term absentee Cayless on the sidelines is Fa’asavalu who is set to miss the next ten to twelve weeks which will probably see him sit out the remainder of the regular season.  I fancy this will be a lot more entertaining than we’re imagining however with Cunningham and Gidley probably back Saints should be just a bit too strong at home.  Saints by 8.

Bradford (12th) v Wigan (5th)
Wigan are on the rise again.  Not too long ago people were laughing, Wigan fans themselves were talking of hanging Noble from the rafters and yet three wins in a row has the former glamour club up in fifth on the back of nine wins out of their last twelve with a winnable semi-final on the horizon.  It’s all about perception.  This should be an away win against the dead Bulls.  It won’t be an easy one though.  A former glamour club is exactly the type of game where dismal home teams fancy their chances.  Call it compensating for no silverware.  With games against Leeds and Saints coming up Wigan need to win because you can’t go into those two matches expecting to come out with two points.  You have to be prepared for putting a lot of effort in and getting nothing out.  Here Wigan can put a lot of effort in and that should be enough to see off Bradford, who appear to be the new Wigan.  Wigan by 6.

Huddersfield (3rd) v Warrington (8th)
I know.  Perhaps this is the pick of the round’s games.  Last week was tough for Wire and they put a lot of effort into it.  It was a pack which missed Morley.  Huddersfield have definitely improved in their forwards and it’s here where they can build a good platform to promote the ball.  Tony Smith identified defence as being something his side needs to work on and a strong defence has caused Huddersfield problems.  With four points between the Giants and Leeds I want to see a home win here.  It will firmly plant them in a two-horse race for third with a shot at second.  Warrington can afford to take a week off because the teams around them are bound to slip up over the coming weeks and with the cup semi-final around the corner I’d be more interested in working towards that, including here by tightening up the defence.  Should be lovely.  Huddersfield by 4.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

Catalans (10th) v Harlequins RL (6th)
As fans of the UK’s best value for money sport we follow last week’s game of the round with another guaranteed thrillfest.  Catalans and Harlequins RL have managed to turn this game into one of the most exciting in the competition.  Usually we’re treated to highlights so it stands to reason that Sunday’s head-to-head will disappoint in the same way both teams have done when the big time has beckoned.  Both remain in the hunt for the top eight and victory for Walter’s hommes will go some way to bridging that gap.  Catalans results may not be improving but to me they look like they have improved, however I’m not really sure if that’s been more down to the lack of dazzle from their opponents.  I’m going to use it I’m afraid.  Greg ‘Jail’ Bird (ho-ho) has been brilliant in patches and I’m looking forward to seeing how Harlequins RL’s defence is going to cope with him coming off those French meaty muscle boys.  It’s mouthwatering.  Catalans by 2.

Last week’s predictions;

Leeds by 6 (won by 2)
Wigan by 6 (won by 2)
Salford by 4 (lost by 13)
Harlequins RL by 2 (lost by 16)
Castleford by 6 (won by 22)
Rovers by 6 (won by 20)
Warrington by 2 (lost by 14)

77-59 overall me hearties.

Super League XIV – Round Twenty Previews

July 9, 2009 at 10:53 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League | Leave a Comment
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Writing endlessly about sport must be a thrill to some.  Waxing lyrical about the physical combat and enhancing the importance by making reference to some bygone historical warrior race or conflict.  In rugby league such writing is mainly the preserve of the Australian press.  In the UK RL journalists are usually dealt column space akin to 10cc with the occasional big item every couple of weeks (broadsheets, Daily Mirror, The Sun) or once per year (Daily Express, Daily Star).  It must be thankless task being forced to just report with little opportunity to comment about the game, which is why I like to use this blog to bring into our RL world as much as possible.

For those of you who like great game reports there is League Express, coverage unparalled here in the UK.  There are the RLfans sites for more lively and biased reporting with occasionally commentary and then of course we have the RL forums if you feel like inducing an aneurysm.  Here it’s your chance to immerse yourself in rugby league culture of the highest order.  Far too often rugby league is pushed to the wayside whilst other sports celebrate their place amongst popular culture.  Only last week I caught the lead singer from those god awful corporate whores, Bush, having it away in the Centre Court box at Wimbledon.  It’s not the first time we’ve had to put up with his showbiz sunglasses on his head look and it probably won’t be the last (is he chummy with Federer or something?).  Rugby league is unlikely to attract no-marks like that, we only bring to our game the great believers in life’s philosophies.  People like Russell Crowe, Ant’s mate from The Royle Family and Johnny Vegas.  Man I love this sport and I love our fans!

Wakefield (6th) v Leeds (2nd)
I think I’m correct in saying Wakefield haven’t won a home Super League game against Leeds.  Shame really because Wakefield have started to get some momentum going and we know it’s not beyond them to keep ticking over.  Who is going to counter the killer statistic of Leeds’ dominance in this fixture?  It’s going to come to and end eventually. I’m just not prepared to suggest it’s this Friday even if this one might be a scare for the big boys.  If I’m not correct what I’ve just said still stands, sort of.  Leeds by 6.

Wigan (8th) v Catalans Dragons (10th)
You can’t knock Wigan or more specifically Brian Noble.  Just when you think they’re down and out, up comes Brian to deliver a win against the odds.  What usually happens next is his teams go on a run up the table.  Can that happen this time or will his side’s losses through injuries and hardcore drug abuse hamper this run?  You know I was thinking this morning about Wigan.  When I was at school, in Ashton-in-Makerfield (one of the satellite shanty towns that surround Wigan) I can remember a lad who I used to sit next to in maths who was a Wigan Athletic supporter.  I believe, although I am not 100% sure, he was one of maybe two in my year (i.e. out of about 200).  Those school years ran from 1983-88 so you don’t need me to tell you how many Wigan RL fans there were.  Now I work on the outskirts of Liverpool.  The outskirts of Liverpool.  Football country, except there’s a Widnes fan, a few Wire folk and a couple of Saints fans here.  There are four Wigan fans though.  Four?  I know, obscene isn’t it?  Except that three of them are Wigan Athletic fans.  Three Wigan Athletic fans?  How on earth did that happen?  Are people so easily led that they’ll happily follow a football team which has done nothing ever over a rugby league team rich in not only its own heritage but the town’s?  Three Wigan Athletic fans?  Funked if I know.  Wigan by 6.

Celtic (14th) v Salford (13th)
Close contender for game of the round after about two or three other games.  Simply brilliant last week from Salford, giving them an incredible two wins against the top two.  Nobody expected what happened as Salford came out strong and took advantage of a sleeping Saints side, waiting for their more sophisticated visitors to have their moment.  It never came.  With Bradford in their sights and Celtic in turmoil this should be easier than last week.  Salford by 4.

Harlequins RL (5th) v Huddersfield (3rd)
These two have featured prominently this year in my games of the round with varying degrees of success.  Neither side has been able to establish the consistency required of a team with serious Grand Final aspirations and we’ve seen both hit a ceiling at different parts of the season.  Of the two, it’s the home side which has hit the rougher form yet I’m not writing them off now.  By the end of this month we will be in the final strait.  From around now is when the real contenders come through.  Not all teams are able to kick for home this far out.  Some prefer to wait until we are off the bend whilst others are already at the front of the race and don’t need or maybe even can’t find that burst.  As the other new kids on the block are falling off the tracks Huddersfield are budging forward seemingly an inch at a time.  This may not be your traditional four-pointer but with such close proximity a Giants win will give them six points on Harlequins RL.  Belting game in prospect and I’m going to go for the home side shaking off a disappointing effort at Wigan.  Harlequins RL by 2.

Castleford (9th) v Hull (11th)
Sorry folks but I’m not sure anyone is really that bothered about this game.  Hull fans can look forward to seeing Mark ‘Pommie Slayer’ O’Meley bouncing up the pitch next year.  We all know what happened to the last Australian tough guy who talked up how he was going to leave British players scattered across the battlefield.  Yes, he was banjoed by Penis Betts.  If O’Meley gets back the first three rounds without being laid out by some average Joe he’ll have done well.  Both sides are still very much in the hunt for the last play-off spot, it’s just that neither of them thrill me enough to be confident the rest of their season won’t be spent in a fruitless chase to catch Wigan.  Castleford by 6.

Hull KR (4th) v Bradford (12th)
That crazy interception killed off the Bradford Bulls for 2009.  I cannot see any way back for Steve McNamara.  The pressure is now off.  You can go about your normal game, develop your talent and build for next year.  If Justinho isn’t careful his dream is going to be just a fading daytime memory and fifth becomes a save.  How long can Rovers afford to keep losing before their good fixture list becomes less relevant in determining where they’ll finish?  Time to get back on track.  Rovers by 6.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

Warrington (7th) v St Helens (1st)
Here it is, the big one.  What I enjoy most about writing about the big one is it presents a great chance for me to test my double-entendre vocabulary to its very boundary.  The Halliwell Jones is the venue for this week’s meaty feast for SKY viewers to gorge on.  Even if you are watching as a neutral you will be salivating over a game that will have you choking on this fine specimen of manliness.  The revival of Warrington under Tony Smith’s keen nose, their blistering transformation and the outside chance of this being a cup final preview have boosted this already incredibly exciting fixture into the realms of what Leeds-Wigan is.  I do not need to emphasise the win-loss ratio in this one for you to be thinking this could be the one.  This could be that funky spunky big fat thrust into the big time for Warrington.  My oh my!  This really is the big time boys.  Here we go.  Tony Smith against Saints.  Nemesis has returned.  No Sean Long.  No Keiron Cunningham.  No Matt Gidley.  Cunningham’s absence is more than cancelled out by Mickey Higham’s loss to the home side.  How much of an impact the loss of the other two players for Saints will be is going to be dependent upon who gets on top in the forwards.  Will Rauhihi be missed too much by Wire?  To me it’s a fascinating tussle and with form in Warrington’s favour I’m hoping for a bald man in a boat.  Warrington by 2.

Last week’s preditions;

Saints by 12 (lost by 10)
Wigan by 10 (won by 28)
Rovers by 6 (lost by 11)
Warrington by 18 (won by 16)
Leeds by 12 (won by 13)
Bulls by 10 (lost by 2)
Huddersfield by 2 (won by 16)

Yet another 4-3 making it 73-56.

Super League XIV Round Nineteen Previews

July 3, 2009 at 5:16 pm | In Rugby League, Sport, Super League, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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One of the hottest weeks in years and I’m condemned to spending my first annual leave days of 2009 with an extreme bout of man-flu.   A week that started with me viewing the highlights from Glastonbury is ending with a planned trip for a day on the sauce in Manchester curtailed by my killer virus.  It’s just as well the denizens of Salford won’t be running the risk of contracting this evil disease when they have enough social problems of their own to deal with.

I’ve gotten this far in the previews without retiring to my bed for a break.  This is some achievement.  Granted I soldiered to watching Michael Franti & Spearhead at the Manchester Academy on Wednesday night, however it was  a pilgrimage I knew would bring pain and misery for the remainder of the week, possibly through the weekend.  Now I’m trying to keep my sapped energy levels up enough for me to complete this and hang on to watch Jarvis Cocker on last night’s Question Time.  The timing is immaculate isn’t it?  Last week I saw that they had him lined up and then when Michael Jackson died the producers must have been rubbing their hands.  I hope there was some suitable commentary on the real legacy of Jackson i.e. his love-making with corporate America.

When watching Glastonbury last week I was pleased that it didn’t descend into some revision of him.  I won’t knock his contribution to getting black artists played on  MTV, however as MTV is and has always been shit it’s an overrated legacy.  Black artists, quite rightly can sit comfortably with him as a performer, the white glove tributes during the festival were nice touches for a person who appeared to be a loving man.  Neil Young didn’t trot out ‘This Note’s For You’ in his storming Friday night slot which is a shame because we shouldn’t’ forget the  press coverage Jackson’s tour dates got twenty years ago when fans were asked to fork out 2009 concert prices for bottles of Pepsi.  His death has done nothing for me other than highlight just how much rubbish he thrust down our throats over the years.  Give me Stevie Wonder, Smokey or Marvin any day of the week.

Salford (13th)  v St Helens (1st)
Richie Myler’s continued absence from the home side’s line-up pretty much condemns them to another loss here.  Not that Myler’s presence would result in two points either.  Let’s be honest, a kid who is already halfway out of the door, looking to pick up a mega bucks contract offer from somewhere, might not be throwing himself around the park anyway.  Is Offiah right to be touting Myler’s services around?  Robbie Paul has been professional enough to recognise the predicament both Myler and Salford face, giving a very honest appraisal of Myler’s situation.  If Salford were improving year-on-year there would be a case to be made for Myler to sticking at it for another year, possibly even two.  At the moment, he can’t run the risk of his market value being impacted upon by a poor season so as disappointing as it is to see him on the verge of leaving it is sensible.  Saints were rumoured to be one of the teams that’s interested in Myler and like any good club, at the right price he might be worth a look.  Tonight it won’t be the half backs which determine the result, it will be the machine that is the Saints pack, marching over the Reds to another two points.  Saints by 12.

Wigan (8th)  v Harlequins RL (5th)
A contender for the pick of the round, undone by contrasting performances from last week.  As Harlequins RL found a ceiling when they went to Wakefield, Sam Tomkins inspired Wigan to a brilliant and deserved win at Hull KR.  Rovers might have rattled up some points but don’t let that take anything away from a strong defensive showing from Noble’s men.  Tomkins was the man of the match, however what about O’Loughlin?  He turned in the kind of ball carrying effort last seen by a Paul Sculthorpe or Andy Farrell.  O’Loughlin has flattered to deceive too often.  At times, he’s fronted up and put the biggest of hits in, only to collapse a week later amidst his own ball-handling errors or high tackles.  I said similar of Jon Wilkin earlier this year about how a couple of performances can lift a player from good to great and O’Loughlin I believe is on the verge of getting the kind of consistency that cements those aspirations.  Unfortunately for him there’s still plenty of dross around to drag him and his boss down but without Purdham and Dorn there isn’t enough to give the visitors hope.  We’ve been waiting for Wigan to wake up and now they’re in a play-off spot it looks like that time is now.  With Catalans at home and a trip to Bradford to follow what chance Wigan catching McDermott’s men?  Wigan by 10.

Catalans Dragons (11th)  v Hull KR (3rd)
I never envisioned Walters’ warriors battling for a win last week and what a win.  It was thrilling game and keeps the Dragons in touch with that eighth spot.  For how long though?  Usually I would see the visit of Rovers as a signal for things to come to an end.  I’m not sure this time.  I have to go with the visitors on the strength of their showings this year even if they’ve still not replaced this slow puncture they picked up.  In the latter stages of last week’s loss to Wigan Rovers didn’t look like they could raise their game and put in a final charge.  They looked beaten and are in danger of letting Saints and Leeds claim the top two spots which would be a shame given they have a schedule that could have them pushing higher up than third.  Rovers by 6.

Celtic Crusaders (14th) v Warrington (7th)
Sorry Celtic but you’ve no chance here.  Warrington are setting themselves up nicely for the visit of Saints next week.  No need for anyone to guess what next week’s game of the round will be.  Warrington by 18.

Hull (9th)  v Leeds (2nd)
Here’s another one of our premier fixtures given the gift of being prime time Saturday tea time entertainment.  Sadly, the prestige of this one  now matters less to us than it does to Hull fans.  Hull’s dislike of Leeds has always proven pretty funny to me.  It used to fuel the terraces into a frenzy of cannibalistic turmoil.  Now it’s still there, just hidden beneath a swathe of knowing such energy can’t translate itself onto the field any more.  Agar continues to keep things ticking over, knocking off an expected victory here and there without giving the fans anything to be hopeful about.  You don’t need another lecture about coaching credentials, wrong appointments, not setting new high standards or anything similar.  We know where we are with Hull and that’s on the end of a flogging at the hands of Leeds usually.  Leeds by 12.

Bradford (12th)  v Castleford (10th)
Good effort from the Bulls last week.  Nay, great effort in what sounded like a terrific game.  Similarly the Tigers came up short in another five star thriller.  Whatever connection the Bulls have to the play-offs this year it is a loose one.  Realistically there are too many teams in contention with better records although I expect the Bulls to haul themselves closer to Castleford by the end of the weekend.  Bulls by 10.

******GAME OF THE ROUND******

Huddersfield (4th)  v Wakefield (6th)
Wakefield just won’t fall off the pace will they?  Despite not really hitting the kind of form that has others taking notice, John Kear’s men have dragged Harlequins RL back and with a win here would bring Nathan Brown’s men level too.  Great stuff if you ask me.  Nathan Brown identified the tactical aspect of Wakefield’s play as a strength with the kicking games of Drew and more notably Brough, able to dictate the pace and position of the game.  Wakefield have had an easier June than Huddersfield thanks to a week off which has seen them re-group with a fully fit squad, crucial at this time of year.  The Giants have had a mixed month, losing at Leeds and at home to Castleford so I can’t see a clear winner in this one.  I fancy the freshness of Kear’s men might be enough to spring a surprise, making this the one to watch this weekend.  Huddersfield by 2.

Last week’s predictions;

Leeds by 24 (won by 13)
Salford by 1 (lost by 24)
Saints by 24 (won by 30)
Castleford by 4 (lost by 2)
Rovers by 8 (lost by 8 )
Warrington by 12 (won by 12)
Wakefield by 2 (won by 2)

Couple of exact calls make it 69-53.

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